Healing response in elastase-induced rabbit aneurysms after embolization with a new platinum coil system

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Elastase-induced rabbit aneurysms offer promise in preclinical testing, but their radiographic and histologic features after dense packing with platinum coils are unknown. We evaluated these features by using a new platinum coil system. METHODS: Right common carotid arterial (CCA) aneurysms were created in 17 rabbits by distal ligation and intraluminal elastase incubation. At least 3 weeks later, aneurysms were packed with detachable platinum coils. Animals were sacrificed at 2 (group 1, n = 4), 4 (group 2, n = 5), 12 (group 3, n = 4), or 24 (group 4, n = 4) weeks. Aneurysmal occlusion and coil compaction were angiographically assessed. Histologic features of tissue covering the coils and the aneurysmal dome were assessed and semiquantitatively compared across groups. RESULTS: No notable tracking, deployment, or detachment problems occurred. Volumetric occlusion was 5-49% (mean, 26.8% ± 11%). Angiographic occlusion was 100% in six cases, 95% in four, and 90% in seven; occlusion scores remained unchanged in 13 cases, decreased in one, and increased in two (one case excluded from angiographic follow-up). Histologic findings were concordant within groups. Group 1 had coverage with thin fibrin layers and scattered leukocytes; group 2, some spindle-cell coverage; group 3, spindle-cell coverage. In groups 1 and 2, dome findings included only unorganized blood products. In group 3, blood products had been replaced with a hypocellular, poorly staining matrix. Some group 4 subjects had variably aged blood products, with tissue of limited organization. CONCLUSION: The platinum coil system performed well in experimental aneurysmal embolization. Densely packed rabbit aneurysms demonstrate reproducible histologic evolution: early fibrin coverage, delayed spindle-cell coverage, delayed intraaneurysmal thrombus resorption, and occasional coil compaction.